Novak Djokovic holds a press conference at the Paris Masters in Paris, France, on Tuesday.

Photo: EPA

The 2008 champion was forced into a final-set tiebreaker after failing to serve out the match.

Benneteau only converted three of his 11 break point chances against the hard-serving Tsonga, who hit a total of 15 aces — five in each set.

Novak Djokovic is among the favorites for the tournament, which is missing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, who has clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking, was scheduled to be in action yesterday against Sam Querrey of the US.

“It’s obviously really satisfying and I’m delighted,” Djokovic said of finishing No. 1 for a second year in a row.

“This shows how good my season has been. I’m proud of what I’ve done because it wasn’t easy to repeat after the incredible season I had in 2011, but it’s not over. Paris and London next week are two very important tournaments and I want to try and focus on them,” he added.

Djokovic said he came into this year’s season conscious of his schedule and trying to avoid the same kind of injuries that forced him out of tournaments late last year.

“Aside from the Olympic Games, the scheduling has been terrific for me,” he said. “I haven’t played that many tournaments and I’ve tried to focus to always perform my best at the major events.”